AuthorTopic: How to arrange for different voltages from one battery source (Read 1251 times)

Hi,in my 1:100 scale bulk Carrier I need different voltages for the main motor (12 V), radar (3V), deck lights, runnings lights 6 V, bow thruster 6 V etc etc.As a source I will use a lead 12V motorcykle battery. Of course it would be possible to use a separate battery for each voltage but is sounds a bit impractical and will mean more things to bring (or forget at home) to/from the lake.

As this probably is general problem in models with several functions I would appreciate yout input as how you have set up your models.

Also order a quad switch from action this will allow you to turn on all these functions via your radio set along with voltage reducers. You will need I spare proportional channel to operate the quad switch.

And a ESC so you can control the thruster , if it is just switched it will be flats out or stopped ie no controlDavid

As David says, you will need a esc for your bow thruster, you can link with your rudder channelUsing a Y lead so when you operate your rudder the bow thruster will help turn the boat.Or as I do use the left stick left to right and use the thruster only when needed.You don't say what radio system you are using I just imagine it is multi channel.

The products from Action Electronics are the items I have been looking around for for a long time. Have mailed them my first order already...

My set up: TX A Graupner MC-20 with a Gr 32 Rx so I have 12 channels to work with.On my twin engine models (Portgarth for example) I use stick 1 and 3 for the motors , stick 2 and 4 for the rudders, steearable Korts ( can be made to work together via a switch on "long runs")On my larger single screw bulk carrier ( 175 cm over all) I use stick 1 for motor, 2 for rudder and 4 for the bow thrusterSeparate speed controllers on each motor and bow truster. All other functions (several) controlled by switches.The bulk carrier will also be equipped with functional cranes which most likely will be controlled by a separate radio as that will require several proportional channels to work as desired.

Stan - do not fully understand the quad switch - can you please give me a hint how the quad switch could be used?? On the bulk carrier set up I still have unused proportional channels...

The Portgarth: liked almost everything but the rubber tube supplied to be used as motor coupling is a disgrace to the kit. the tube was not straight from the beginning , will never be straight and I deeply regret I did not change it for a real coupling. However the model as such is quite ok and looks fine on the water.

Search eBay for buck/ boost voltage controllers. Select one for the power consumption of each piece of equipment. The cheapest (£1.50ish) you have to do a little soldering, 50p more and they come with screw block connections. 0-30 V in, 0-30V out. I use them on my Narrowboat to prevent overloading 12V gear by the 14.5V alternator output. Using a multimeter you set input voltage then set output voltage requirement, finally set output voltage under load. Jerry.

Hi Claes the action quad switch is simple to use in conjunction with the voltage regulators. The unit can turn on four separate functions using different voltages. Look at the action web site under switches open quad switch and see wiring diagram not the cheapest piece of kit but well worth it hope this helps.The voltage regulators from component shop have led display to see the output voltage good pieces of kit.